1. Laser Spark Ignition System
Dustin L. McIntyre, PhD, PE
Mechanical Engineer
This is the fifth and final option for your cover slide. The photo shown can be replaced with any 3” by 3” photo that looks good at that size and is appropriate to your topic.
the ENERGY lab
November 6, 2013
Commercial Opportunity Summary

2. The Technology Summary
Large Bore Stationary Natural Gas Engine Ignition Improvement
Elimination of electrode wear
Lean burn limit extension
Thermal efficiency improvement
Ignitability improvement
Market
OEM Engine Mfg., Retrofit Engine Mfg., Engine owners/operators
Development Stage
Laboratory Investigations
Prototype design phase
Full system integration
Funding
DOE Advanced Reciprocating Engine Systems Program
Strength of the team
Optical and laser design experts Dr.s Woodruff and McIntyre USDOE
Commercial Opportunity Summary

3. Technology Proposition
What is it?
Miniaturized laser system that makes sparks without electrodes
Why is this a game-changing technology/process?
Elimination of electrode wear
Reduction of down time costs for maintenance
Spark can be placed anywhere in the combustion chamber
Engine Efficiency improvement and NOx reduction
What situation (“pain”) will you solve/exploit?
Reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency of system
Why does the situation exist?
Century’s old electrode based spark plug is cheap ($ each for this application)
Your opportunity to set the stage
Tee up the problem that you can address
ID some specific problem areas that you will address
Can be positioned more as an opportunity
Get Heads Nodding
Commercial Opportunity Summary

4. The Competition Carinthian Tech Research Princeton Optronics
Single cylinder, liquid cooled, side pumped
Princeton Optronics
VCSEL pumps at each cylinder (~$5k each)
Colorado State University
High energy delivery through special hollow fibers
Argonne National Lab
High energy delivery with mirrors
Other laser manufacturers
Volume not high enough
THERE ARE ALWAYS COMPETITORS!
Even if the alternative is ‘do nothing’
Need to demonstrate a clear advantage that will allow you to differentiate from the established players.
Commercial Opportunity Summary

5. The Commercialization Plan
Customers would include: OEM Engine Mfg., Retrofit Engine Mfg., Engine owners/operators
Adoption drivers
Electrical spark plug replacement cost and downtime
Capital cost reduction (key components)
Key tests and trials
Device proof of concept completed
System design and integration underway
Estimated price of product/COGS
Will depend on number of cylinders
8 cylinder unit system approx. $35k
Intellectual property status
US Patent “Laser spark distribution and ignition system”
12N-03, S-130,175 “Laser interlock system" - Application filed Sept. 2013
13N-10, S-134,514, “Laser ignition device for improving lean burn ignitability and combustion stability" - Filing in process
Licensing/CRADA
Currently looking for development and/or commercialization partners
Commercial Opportunity Summary

6. System in Operation Natural Gas Lean Burn Naturally Aspirated
Operating at 1800 rpm
Laser Pump Power 240 Watts
Laser Peak Power 3.2 MWatts
Fused Silica Window Lens
Focal Intensity 225 GW/cm2

7. Opportunity Summary Recap: Thank You
Natural gas engines: Efficiency enhancement and spark plug durability
OEM Engine Mfg., Retrofit Engine Mfg., Engine owners/operators
One patent, patent application filed July 2013, one application in progress
Proof of concept complete, entering system integration phase
Looking for development partners for licensing and/or CRADA
Commercial Opportunity Summary